The Scepter of Arándelis and The Lost Kingdom

2. Bonds

The following morning, as the first rays of sunlight began to light up the horizon, Ariadna picked up a small wicker basket and, after wrapping the baby in the blanket embroidered with his name, set off for where she worked: Sunnydays, a former convent that had been converted into an orphanage decades ago. Although it had lost its original purpose, the nuns were still in charge of running it.

It wasn't far from her house, just about a half-hour walk at a brisk pace. As they walked along the dirt path, she glanced into the basket, watching the baby smile with each gentle sway. At one point, their eyes met.

"Don't look at me like that, little bug. You can't complain about where I'm taking you."

Was she really convinced of what she was saying? Probably not. But what other choice did she have? She could barely make ends meet to survive on her own, to be looking after a child. Her house wasn't in the best condition—termite infestations and power cuts were common. And even if she could manage financially, she wasn't sure she could cope with the responsibility. Work was already giving her enough of a headache; coming home to deal with someone else's problems was the last thing she needed. At Sunnydays, at least, they would clothe him, educate him, feed him, give him a warm bed... and affection. Yes. It was undoubtedly the best option. She repeated it to herself a few times, trying to believe it.

When they arrived, just before stepping through the entrance, she remembered the odd event from the night before. She looked at the baby and the necklace he wore. She had overlooked that "small" detail. If the sisters noticed it, there would be trouble—not just for her, but for him too. Carefully, she took the baby out one last time, removed the necklace, and put it in her pocket. She tucked him back into the basket, wrapping him snugly.

"It's for your own good."

Crossing the threshold, she had barely entered when one of the sisters came to greet her.

"Sister Ariadna! How unusual that you are here this ea—" Her words caught in her throat as she saw the basket and rushed towards it. "For the love of God!" She crossed herself. "Where did you find this little miracle, Sister?"

"Good morning to you too, Sister Felicia... I found him at home when I returned last night."

"Poor child! At least this little gift from the Lord ended up somewhere sheltered..."

"What gift from the Lord? Someone must have abandoned him, and seeing how it was pouring down, they left him inside."

"Don't blaspheme, Sister! You're lucky they left this poor angel in your care. With the storm last night, he could have died of pneumonia! We were all frightened here by the strong wind. Part of the roof came loose, but thanks to the Lord, no one was hurt."

"I'm glad."

Ariadna sighed. When she looked back, Sister Felicia was already cradling the child. "Well, that's that," she thought. He was where he needed to be.

"Oh, but isn't he tiny...! Look at those rosy cheeks for such a pale little thing! Who's a good boy? Who?" Sister Felicia cooed, making playful gestures.

"For heaven's sake, he's not a dog..."

"Language, Sister, or you'll..." Before she could finish, Alsan began to cry, wriggling slightly in the sister's arms.

"He doesn't like being held upright. He prefers to be rocked... in the arms," she explained slowly, then reconsidered.

"Oh, come now. How could you possibly know that after barely a night with him? He's likely just hungry, isn't he? Is that why you're crying? This woman...," she eyed Ariadna up and down, "If she hasn't starved you, it's only because the Lord has finally shone his light upon her. Come, little one, let's get you something nourishing, shall we?"